This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.
Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.
My JC Credit Card bill came over the holidays. Of the 7 returns I had made, not a single one was listed on my bill. Keep your receipts. Why can't they get this straight? I had to do the same thing in November. There seems to be zero improvement with the CC company, the reliability of their returns. Their inventory system is costing them huge amounts of money. No wonder they are faltering.
ReplyDeleteIt is sooo much work keeping track for purchases/returns and pas'
DeleteThey have made alot more than the average # of errors this season. my last email to CS was answered in 11 days.
my biggest vent has t be shipping...xmas season J Crew gets an "F" in this department.
I guess I need to go through my statement and verify every charge, too. I think I’m going to go back to using Amex.
DeleteWere your returns in store or by mail? I'm sorry that happened.
Deletegot my JC bill a few weeks ago and thought "geez, why so high?!", then I went thru my (mail order) invoices and none of my 5 returns had been credited yet. I'm going to wait one more billing cycle before I contact them since I think everything is just backed up from the holidays. I did get one email confirmation that they received a return 3 days ago...that I mailed back like a month ago, lol.
DeleteMy returns were all by mail but this is a recurring problem. I cancelled my CC previously for this reason and thought about doing it again but I am going to really cut back in 2019 so I doubt I will be using it much now.
DeleteThey had no record of returns made back in late November and this cut off date was in December. Keep your records.
I’ve had the opposite issue.... I bought two pairs of leggings and only got charged for one. Called them and they said they assumed they would be charged and if not then “enjoy the leggings”. And I had a belt that didn’t show up, called them and they refunded me and placed an order for another that would be charged when it shipped. Fast forward belt and ended up showing up (ups dropped it off at my neighbors), called J.Crew and they canceled the order for the new one and said they would charge for the one I got since they had refunded it and never did. They really have been having issues.
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ReplyDeleteNot a vent, but more a matter of personal accountability.
ReplyDeleteMixed results for me on day 2 of my "low buy" January. Could not say "no" to the $23 Maddies, $40 Liberty shirt and $60 Ryan loafers but did say "no" to $20 gingham button up. and the $16 striped cotton poplin wrap top. These prices are all Canadian so I can't even imagine what temptingly low prices American JCAs are seeing.
It's final sale but I have bought styles before before so I am confident in the sizing.
I am a little disappointed in myself. After consciously not ordering anything on Jan 1, I had to look (of course), and those Maddie pants had "popped back". Those elusive pants pushed me over the edge.
DeleteI know that $12 shipping fee to Canada irks a lot of Canadian JCAs but I find it helps me think a little more about whether I want something. (But I obviously don't think too hard about it.) I can't imagine how hard it would be to resist ordering if shipping were always free.
I had fleeting thoughts of ordering the boiled wool topcoat and also more jeans ($20!) yesterday but fortunately rational thought took over for a change.
Delete1. I really like the idea of boiled wool, but I’m never happy with the reality. It tends to look matronly and a bit shabby, even when it’s new. At least it does on me. It always looks fabulous on the models. It also attracts lint and hair. I already have numerous far better options in my closet, so it would be foolish to buy it.
2. I just reorganized my jeans drawer and it’s still so full that I’m planning to expand to a 2nd drawer to hold jeans that are currently in the laundry and in the mail. Do I really want or need a 3rd jeans drawer?!!! And that doesn’t even include several pairs I have in storage that are still a smidgen too tight. (I’m typing from my stationary bike and my freezer is full of healthy food I cooked this past week!)
Jeanne - I'm impressed at both your willpower and your ability to type and exercise at the same time!
DeleteToronto Modern - I'm annoyed with myself too, was totally committed to do a no shop January, then I just HAD to peek at the website yesterday AM (I was up at 6am to get ready for work). Couldn't "say no" to $24 cashmere beanie, $8 kids fair isle hat and $16 ribbed mockneck tee. I did force myself to remove several items from my cart though including FS shoes, wrap top and a $20 wireless speaker (??).
Deletedidn't look at sale section today. this is a big deal for me.
Deletehave told myself I will check website when I hear about a new arrivals on this site...Jan /Feb are always the best mths to do a NO SHOP ...intervention. IMO
I was not told about new arrivals, but my VPS did say this...
Deletewe're due to have another site launch on Tuesday, January 22nd -- keep in mind that during this time, you may find out of stock items reflecting inventory/becoming eligible with current promotions! This is a wonderful time to purchase items you've had your eye on.
Julie - I had to laugh when I saw your reference to the wireless speaker. A couple of weeks ago, I was intrigued enough to try to put it in my cart. The only thing that saved me was that J Crew would not allow me to put it in the cart since it could not be shipped internationally!
DeleteWhat is a site launch? and what do they mean about the out of stock/inventory eligibility /? is it just me. did they do this around xmas time..and what happened?
DeleteA site launch just means new rollout/new items being added online as far as I know.
DeleteUghh.... I placed 3 orders after Christmas!!! ( trying to tell myself it’s ok since I had gift cards)..... no more.... just waiting in cashmere wraps to drop.... i just did not think it was worth even sale price of $85( Black Friday).... it’s thinner then previous years....
ReplyDeleteI do wish they make a nice cashmere infinity scarf.... lol.... maybe next year!!!
Not a vent. I saw a teenager wearing j crew's velvet swimsuit, the two piece one in a blue color. It was really nice looking on her. The color was standing out. The top has no space for boobs but she had none so worked for her. The straps did not look adjustable to me so one must be correct height to wear it.
ReplyDeleteIt seems somehow wrong to be posting about this when I am trying to reduce my shopping, but I finally got the topcoat in English herringbone wool that I ordered on Dec 14 when fleur de lys pointed out it was heavily discounted. It was about $70 Canadian (about $58 US) that magical day. I really like it. It's a lighter coat, so not for the coldest days. It's so different from anything else I own.
ReplyDeleteMy regular P4 was not available so I bought P6 and I think that this is the right size for me. P4 would be too tight across the shoulders I think.
How did other JCAs who bought the coat do?
@TorontoModern So glad you like it! I wore mine today;-) I went with my normal size and it fits really well
DeleteWell, I have to have the pointed-toe flats at some point, both colors.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment I am sorting and organizing. I have some things to donate, and quite a few new or like new things to list on Poshmark. I've sold only 3 things there so far, but I got better prices than I would have on eBay. Just sorted through all my toddler's clothes last night and today- kind of exhausting! This is my first full day off by myself in months. Next, boxing J.Crew returns and deciding whether to keep the Donegal cashmere turtleneck. It felt nice on, but I'm not sure it was flattering, so I'll try once more with other items. There is a blue silk top with dots that I'm also unsure of. Sadly, a number of things I ordered didn't even come out of the plastic. I could see the poor quality even when they were folded. I'll save them the trouble of repackaging.
Received quick (24 he) PAs over insta thanks to JCA tip. Much appreciated.
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ReplyDeleteOkay JCrew I love you but this relationship is one sided, I show you love and open my wallet and you seem to play hard to get. Least my orders are.
ReplyDeleteUnsure if my mini rant is completely JCrew's fault, but it's their product so yes. Shipping. Actually is that word an oxymoron as my orders move at a glacial pace. Two weeks seems to be the minimum. And no surprise that both BR and Club Monaco are far quickier, usually in under a week. Add in that BR ships free over $50 and Club Monaco only charges $8 to ship unless you spend $150, then it's free.
Feels like the fat lady is about to sing and I'll be waving good-bye to JCrew going under while my orders still haven't arrived
as a fellow Canadian i could not agree more. up here we have been always paid so much more .30=35% more plus the weak promos and never the additional perks of 15% off etc.that US shopper get randomly shipping has been an epic failure on their part. and I complain all the time and my orders can be $$$ and are still $12. for over two weeks to get to Vancouver. terrrible IMO
DeleteIt went from 50% FS to 60% FS to 40% FS as of this morning, wouldn't it have made more sense to start with 40%? It's not like the sale section was considerably restocked with new items or no longer FS. I just don't understand their promo rationale and refuse to buy FS items no matter the price.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand it either. If it didn't sell at 60 off (and there are a few things I'd buy but not even at 60 off sale) why do they think it will sell at 40?
DeleteAnd as expected items purchased early this week/pre New Years are still in process. Although I can't say anything, my day after Christmas Everlane order is supposed to ship at the end of the week but they did send an email saying shipping was delayed due to the Choose What you Pay event.
Yeah... I have been totally confused by their strategy (?) with sales the last couple of months. Percentage off has fluctuated wildly, prices in my local store have been inconsistent with pricing for the same items online, and prices actually go UP on sale merchandise. It's been really frustrating trying to shop sales and feeling like you have no idea what the price is going to be tomorrow or the next day or the next. I have bought several things only to have the percent off be lower the very next day, and then go up again before I actually try to get a PA.
DeleteWith the shipping fiasco their customers just went through, is it really necessary to slap "Final Sale" on now? I finally feel like I could order without total chaos, but I'm not going to play their Final Sale game. Who else does this? No place else I shop does. Just send it to TJMaxx after a while if it doesn't sell, but don't close your brick and mortar stores, causing customers to have to order clothes online without trying on, and then stick them with clothes that don't fit or have quality issues that could not be known without seeing the clothes in person. That's just ridiculous and a bit insulting.
ReplyDeletePerfectly said, Cate. Completely agree!
DeleteAgreed - especially when Final Sale applies to items on first markdown. I could maybe give them a pass on FS for last year's shorts for <$10, but an in-season sweater that was full price a week ago? No thanks.
DeleteThey must be swamped with returns and are trying to stay above the flood?
DeleteThey’ve raised prices on at least two items I’ve been stalking (one SP18, one FA18) since early December, both with full size runs available, so clearly they’re not too desperate to get rid of them.
DeleteSince I moved December 1st, I've really seen my wardrobe all together in one area in a way I usually don't. There is simply too much "good" stuff that I bought because it was cheap, yet I don't reach for it...you all know...the cheap cashmere, the multitude of tee shirts, the better dresses I wore a decade ago (Milly, DVF, Searle, Black Halo) which I never wear now. I've been giving a LOT to donations.
ReplyDeleteI didn't partake in any of the after Christmas sales until last night. Bought a cute pair of blackwatch plaid Charter Club smoking flats on macys.com for $14.88 (plus face mask to get free shipping, total $18.08), and since I was up all night with my boy's growing pains (poor baby) I couldn't resist the stewart plaid Tippi for $27.20. It was the magic hour. Plaid is something I always reach for, not just during holiday, but all winter. I hope I'm done now.
I've definitely still enjoyed reading about all of your deals and feelings on when enough is enough! Happy New Year, JCAs!
When I had those awful growing pains in my legs, I would take hot soaking baths in the middle of the night.
DeleteI was up too with my tummy issues, and I admit I did buy a velvet mock neck top for $3.40 (60% off $20 = $8 less $4.60 left on a gift card).
Canada doesn't have POSHMARK. ebay prices for JCrew items are ridiculously high. Canadian shipping $$ so I never buy there. I always donate (new stuff with tags on..if you can believe it) stuff i never got round to wearing. why i never wore it I do not know. but if its there in the closet or dressser drawer for too long...out the door it goes, no remorse. glad i don't have to see it sitting there brand new ...let someone else get to use it. not alot of work to drop it off at the local womens thrift store...and be done.
ReplyDeleteStore visits today. Both Madewell and Jcrew were 40 off sale, Jcrew was 25 off regular price.
ReplyDeleteOnline there was a lot I liked at Madewell but not as much in store.
Jcrew sale section was same old. Seemingly picked over, I even glanced a top I got last spring on the rack. I saw some holiday items on the floor that I know are on sale but the rack wasn't marked.
$0 spent, although I may order candles online at Madewell.
I appreciate your post. I must go into J. Crew for a multitude of returns and dread it. I have guilt.
DeleteStore wasn't too crowded, yet I waited in line quite a few minutes as one assoc was on the phone (sounded like someone was wondering why their returns weren't credited) and the other assoc was helping return a huge bag full. By the time back up came there must have been at least five people behind me...noon on a Thurs.
DeleteI wish I could bring myself to do returns in person, but I can't, unless it's just one thing. I wonder about interest paid on the card on items I don't even keep untimately. I think it's time to forgo the crew card. Basic rewards are good enough for me, and my regular cc gives cash rewards.
ReplyDeleteHow many of us are looking to cut back on commerce and especially J.Crew right now? I (mostly) unashamedly acquired a lot this holiday season. I went a good span of time without buying. I have enough to send back, but I also found some great items at good prices.
Blythe shirt (silk) is a love. Already mentioned the FP jungle cat short-term total love. The pants are fabulous- an absolute steal at any sale price. Tippi jungle cat-like sized up-to-date it's a good color and interesting as well as easy to wear, of course. Black suede block heel sandals are gorgeous in person, and that was a need, as I don't wear sandals but really should, and these I will. Last night I picked up the colorful rafia bow heels and two pairs of poppy flats. Abigail Borg t-shirt is really flattering. Love the color combination. It's stiff for a tee because of how it was printed. Still very nice and I know I'll wear it a lot. Lots for the kiddo that he will wear, also. The can as espadrilles are really nice, cushiony, and cute. He really likes the eggs and bacon sweater. I wasn't stunned with the quality, but it is cute and not unacceptable.
Some misses: the short-sleeved lace top (cheap looking), gingham wrap sandals (blue suede looked kind of warn and faded to me), Harlow velvet heels (velvet felt real and spectacular, but the cut didn't work for me), leopard perfect shirt (print seemed kind off), boy's Blundstone boots (odd smell, inner sole arrived uninserted and impossible to get inside a toddler shoe properly. Seemed impressive for the price point. J.Crew's version is much better). Leather sandal heels in lemon- meh. Abigail Borg silk panties didn't work for me. Loved the high waist with tie, but I'm short and muscular and the wide leg and large print is too unflattering. Wish I could pull it off, but I had to pull them off ;)
Questionable: embellished striped perfect shirt, the one heavily discounted. Shirting is beautiful, crystals are just a little bitess than. Not tacky, but not worth full price. Good for when you want to look nice but not worry too much about wear (which is me when nannying). Will be great in spring.
So, this was my time to buy, and also reorganize. I expect I won't buy as much in the next couple months, unless I find a flattering black sweater, spectacular shoes that I can afford, or the faux fur cropped jacket in my size. Or maybe I'll keep shopping a lot. I'm not sure. I am relistening to Marie Kondo's books. Just trying to have what I really enjoy (and I really enjoy "good" j.crew), and let what doesn't find a new home.
I feel like I bought too much this holiday so I’m trying to be much better in Jan. I did buy a charcoal Blythe silk blouse (glad to hear you love it) with the 60% off and a silk shirtdress which I didn’t really need so I’m not doing as well as I hoped.
DeleteLol@ "short-term total love". Hoping it lasts!! Feels like a classic ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I can't believe we (that is, we humans), still don't have the option of opting out of autocorrect. Times it has helped me? Literally twice. Times it has upset me and made me sound ridiculous? Infinite.
ReplyDeleteCracking up over here!! That autocorrect can be a killer
DeleteLol it drives me crazy too!
DeleteNo additional vents here except the ongoing lack of beautiful items, billing and returns issues. I did however, find what I hope is a winner. Purchased a Collection Lady Tweed Jacket G2603 in a beautiful bright blue color with purple and metal buttons for $67.00 on Ebay. I immediately fell in love with this item but the original price was $400+ and I could never justify paying full price for this item and never found it online on sale. This is an item I will hopefully get a lot of wear out of and it fits right in where I live in Monte-Carlo on the sea. Will be interesting to see what the quality is like. Blue is a big color again this year especially this one so keeping fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great find! I hope you love it. :)
DeleteThe color is beautiful and I never tire of wearing my tweed blazers. Great score!
Delete@jan, Thank you so much. I was wondering if you or anyone else had ever seen this in person. I didn’t but purchased on style and color alone.
ReplyDeleteNo I’ve never seen it in person.
Delete@jan,Thanks for replying appreciate it.
Delete@Cheritheberry, Did you ever have a chance to see this in person? Am curious as to why this was priced so high.
ReplyDelete